Leeds' Gang Of Four released 1982's
Songs Of The Free, their third album, on the heels of the
excellent Another Day/Another Dollar EP. It is their first
release with Sara Lee on bass, who took over after Dave Allen left
the band to for Shriekback with Barry Andrews of XTC. She's a
excellent replacement and is adept to playing nearly as deeply-funky
as Allen did.
The album is successful in marrying the
band's slashing post-punk to the funky new wave that was
all-prevalent at the time. It was produced by Mike Howlett of Gong
(who also produced OMD, Tears For Fears and A Flock Of Seagulls).
Songs Of The Free is really only weak when one holds it up
against Entertainment!, Yellow and
Solid Gold. All of
which are on the perfect side. Songs Of The Free
is jam packed with moody, nocturnal grooves and somnambulist funk.
Songs like “History Of The World”, “Life! It's A Shame” and
“I Will Be A Good Boy” are my idea of perfect background music
that I'd love to hear in a bar or pub. “Muscle For Brains” has a
great funky guitar line. “Call Me Up”, “We Live As We Dream,
Alone” and “I Love A Man In A Uniform” are easily the most
effective songs on the album.
“I
Love A Man In A Uniform” was a new-wave dance hit peaking at #27 on
Billboard's Club Play Singles chart and became a staple of
Alternative radio. The album itself is usually held up as Gang Of
Fours last initial creative hurrah. Although it produced a handful of
decent tracks, 1983's Hard
was indeed a fairly soft affair. I've always considered Songs
Of The Free part of a logical
conclusion to the trilogy of Entertainment!
and Solid Gold.
Recommended. Indeed.
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